New to airway clearance? Living with a chronic lung condition, like bronchiectasis (bron-kee-eck-tuh-sis), makes breathing feel constricted. Though your clinician may prescribe different types of treatment to help you manage your symptoms—such as antibiotics or mucus-thinning medications1—airway clearance works to help treat the underlying cause of your chronic symptoms (i.e., mucus buildup). When mucus builds […]
Living with bronchiectasis can sometimes feel like you’re putting your life on pause. Too often, chronic symptoms can interfere with our quality of life—not to mention the time we want to spend with friends, family, and pursuing our passions. The good news is, bronchiectasis doesn’t have to hold you back from experiencing life’s precious moments […]
For some, the start of a New Year is sometimes met with a mix of emotions. Though you’re eager to see what new adventures lie ahead, you’re also thinking about how these new changes will impact your quality of life. If you’re living with bronchiectasis or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), for example, you may […]
All over the country, thousands of individuals continue to benefit from using the SmartVest Airway Clearance System. SmartVest is a high frequency chest oscillation (HFCWO) therapy device that works to provide symptom relief for patients living with a chronic lung condition. When used daily, and as part of your bronchiectasis or COPD treatment plan, SmartVest […]
Starting a new treatment plan for a lung condition is sometimes met with hesitation. This is especially true if it’s your first time using vest therapy to manage symptoms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), bronchiectasis, or both. From setting up and learning how to use your new device to performing each therapy session and […]
Providing patients with lifetime support for a chronic lung condition is just one of the many responsibilities we take close to heart. In fact, even before you begin your SmartVest journey, you’ll receive product support and education. We do this to ensure that both you and your healthcare team feel confident adding The SmartVest Airway […]
In a previous blog, we discussed the different types of bronchiectasis: cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (CFB) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Both conditions affect the lungs, making it difficult to breathe, clear mucus, and prevent the onset of respiratory infection. When you consider each condition independently, it becomes easier to understand how they vary. CFB, for […]
Though we can’t predict what happens tomorrow, we can try to prepare ourselves for the unexpected by planning ahead. This is especially true if you’re living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). According to the American Lung Association, creating an action plan with your healthcare team is one of the most important steps in […]
Short on breath? Living with a chronic lung condition can make your breathing feel constricted—especially during extreme weather changes that cause dryness (i.e., winter) or higher levels of humidity/allergens (i.e., spring and summer). To handle these common temperature fluctuations and keep your lungs filled with fresh—not stale—air, exercise is key. But let’s not limit our […]
Staying regularly hydrated plays an important role in fighting infection, supplying nutrients to the body, and keeping organs functioning properly. [1] Water also regulates the body’s temperature [2] and will replenish any fluids you lose from urinating, sweating, or excessive exercising. There is no doubt that water is essential to our health and wellness, but […]